SpicyMerken

Under the Same Sky tells the heartfelt story of Mateo González Schwarz, a twelve-year-old boy whose greatest dream is to conquer the world of football. Born to an Argentine father and a German mother, Mateo grows up in the colorful streets of Buenos Aires, fueled by his passion for the beautiful game and inspired by legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But when tragedy strikes and his beloved father passes away, Mateo is left heartbroken — yet not alone. Carrying the final promise of his father to follow his dreams without fear, Mateo embarks on a journey filled with challenges, ambition, and growth.
What Mateo doesn’t yet realize is that a special gift, left behind by his father and guided by forces beyond this world, will soon awaken within him — a secret that could turn his dreams of becoming the greatest footballer alive into reality.

Mateo Rise of a Champion

The halftime whistle blew.Germany led 2-0.

The players jogged into the tunnel, heads held high, but Coach Schuster's voice was sharp:

"Argentina will come at us like demons.Hold your line.Trust each other.And Mateo—"He paused, looking directly into his star's tired, bruised eyes."—you've done enough. Play smart. Survive."

As the second half began, Argentina threw everything forward.

Their coach screamed from the sideline.The players flew into tackles, pressed furiously, risked everything.

Germany, down to ten men, fought back with grit and organization.

But Mateo...Mateo was slowing.

The bruises.The stomped hand.The relentless running.They were catching up to him.

Even the System issued a soft warning:

[Fatigue Critical: 78%][Risk of Minor Injury: High]

In the chaos, the German defense couldn't clear properly —and Valentín Cabrera, Argentina's young prodigy,slammed the ball into the net from close range.

The Argentine fans exploded into deafening cheers.

The German players tightened their formation immediately.They knew what was coming.

Mateo looked up at the scoreboard,sweat dripping into his burning eyes.

Twenty-five minutes to hold the dream.

Argentina won a free-kick near the German box.

The ball floated in beautifully —and again, Valentín Cabrera rose above everyone else,heading the ball into the net with brutal precision.

Mateo dropped his hands to his knees, gasping.

His ankle throbbed with each breath.His ribs ached.His hand was swollen and purple beneath his wrist tape.

The stadium rocked with chants of "¡Argentina! ¡Argentina!"

Coach Schuster yelled for substitutes to warm up.Assistants rushed toward Mateo, asking if he needed to come off.

He stood slowly.Pain radiated from every step.He was almost limping — almost dragging his leg.

His eyes blazed with defiance.

[Status: Critical Fatigue][Mental Fortitude Activated: Pain Tolerance Enhanced][Quest Triggered: Stand Until the End]

No matter how battered his body was—Mateo González was still standing.

And he wasn't leaving this battlefieldwithout giving everything he had left.

Chapter 118: Refusing to Fall